No injuries in Elgin chimney fire

A small chimney fire in Elgin Friday afternoon actually left a much bigger hole after fire crews had to dismantle the chimney’s frame to determine whether the fire had spread, authorities said.

Elgin Fire Department crews responded at 2:35 p.m. to the fire on the 300 block of Shiloh Lane. The homeowner “had a fire going in the fireplace that got a little out-of-control and started the whole chimney on fire,” Battalion Chief Bryan McMahan said.

Firefighters checked to see if the blaze had extended to the attic or walls — it had not — but one side of the house had to be boarded up afterward because firefighting efforts left “a good-sized gap,” McMahan said.

The total damage estimate is about $10,000, he added.

Two people inside the home when they fire started, but both escaped safely. No injuries were reported.